Manchester United are facing yet another summer filled with uncertainty. After failing to qualify for the Champions League, the club is undergoing a rebuilding phase under the watchful eye of INEOS. The arrival of Rúben Amorim as manager has brought with it a sense of expectation but also significant pressure.
The squad now needs adjustments, reinforcements, and, above all, a clear identity ahead of the 2025/26 season. Amorim wants to implement his preferred 3-4-2-1 system, but it’s still unclear whether he has the right player profiles to make it work. In this context, every new name linked to United becomes twice as important as both a reinforcement and a statement of intent.
In recent years, United have been a team of contrasts. They lifted the EFL Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024, but their Premier League form has been inconsistent. The defence has looked vulnerable, and the attack, led by Rasmus Højlund, has lacked consistency. Alejandro Garnacho showed promise but underwhelmed during the 2024/25 season and is now being linked with a move away. Years of careless spending have left the club with limited room for manoeuvre in the market. Amorim is well aware that he needs to bring in pace, creativity, and attacking balance to steer the team back on track.
So, here comes the next transfer target we need to talk about. In this panorama of uncertainty, one name has shaken the scene: Rodrygo Goes. According to CaughtOffside, sources close to the Brazilian’s entourage believe his departure from Real Madrid is more likely than ever. The Spanish giants are demanding €100 million, with Arsenal already preparing an €80m offer, while Liverpool and Manchester United are also monitoring the situation. Amorim, who values versatile attackers, sees the Brazilian as a very tempting option.
Rodrygo, 24 years old, can play anywhere across the front three. His dribbling ability, intelligence in tight spaces, and clinical finishing make him an ideal fit for a side that craves attacking verticality. He isn’t a classic winger or a traditional centre-forward, he’s a hybrid, and that makes him not just versatile, but also expensive.
On paper, Rodrygo would be a great fit in Amorim’s 3-4-3 or 3-4-2-1 system. His mobility aligns with the idea of a fluid, interchangeable attack. With uncertainty surrounding the futures of Rashford and Garnacho, his arrival would offer immediate stability in the front line. However, the issue remains his price tag. Going big on Rodrygo would leave little to no room to address other key areas that urgently need reinforcement.
The club’s financial situation doesn’t allow for luxuries. After missing out on the Champions League, revenues have taken a hit. So, betting everything on one player, no matter how talented, would be a risky move. There are cheaper alternatives with similar profiles. Eberechi Eze, for instance, would cost less and can adapt to various attacking roles. Meanwhile, Antoine Semenyo is also admired for his explosiveness and ability in tight spaces. Both players could fit into Amorim’s system and still leave room for flexibility in the transfer budget.
For United, Rodrygo would undoubtedly add quality, but the current context demands pragmatic, well-balanced decisions. If the club wants to truly compete, the investment must be spread smartly across the squad.
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